FFA successful because of key business partners in South Dakota

The South Dakota FFA has been a major part of the spirit of South Dakota’s youth and agriculture for more than 80 years. The Star Partner Program joins the efforts of SD businesses and organizations with FFA’s mission of developing premier leadership, personal growth and career success for youth involved in agriculture education. “The need to build partnerships in support of local and state agricultural education programs continues to grow as budgets are increasingly tight,” said Gerri Ann Eide, executive director of the South Dakota FFA Foundation. “These partners will provide quality leadership training for our FFA members, ensuring we have trained employees for the future of the production and business sides of SD agriculture. Our star partners make a huge difference for every local chapter!”

The South Dakota FFA Foundation’s Star Partner program welcomes a growing list of supporters that see the value of South Dakota FFA and agricultural education:

Distinguished Star Partners: Northland Ford Dealers

5 Star Partners: DuPont/Pioneer; Monsanto

3 Star Partners: North Central Farmers Elevator

2 Star Partners: ADM Benson Quinn; SD Wheat Growers; and South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council

1 Star Partners: Butler Machinery; CHS Foundation; East River Electric; Farm Credit Services of Americas; RDO Equipment; Wilbur Ellis; and C & B Operations, LLC (Potter County Implement, Gettysburg; Walworth County Implement, Selby; Edmunds County Implement, Roscoe; Greenline Implement, Miller; Fred Haar, Freeman; Fred Haar Implement, Yankton; Fred Haar Implement, Wagner; and Davison County Implement, Mitchell).

Star Partner Program support provides resources for the South Dakota FFA Association, South Dakota FFA Alumni, South Dakota Association of Agricultural Educators, South Dakota FFA Foundation, post secondary agricultural events, and agricultural education at South Dakota State University.

“It’s a win-win partnership as our agriculture education programs receive valuable support to prepare future employees for agricultural careers and develop skills to provide leadership for their local communities, while at the same time businesses and organizations receive year-long recognition for their partnership.” says Eide.

For a complete listing of South Dakota FFA Foundation Star Partners visit http://www.sdffafoundation.org.

The South Dakota FFA Foundation partners with individuals and businesses to provide resources that promote and enhance premier leadership, personal growth and career success for South Dakota youth in Agricultural Education. For more information about the South Dakota FFA Foundation, contact executive director Gerri Ann Eide at 605-765-4865 or visit http://www.sdffafoundation.org.